Air Traffic Controller Salary in Prosper, TX: $139,632 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Prosper, TX earns a median $139,632/year (≈ $67.13/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Prosper's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 96.0), that paycheck buys what $145,450 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.2% below the Texas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the air traffic controller salary in Prosper, TX is projected to reach a median of $139,632, which positions it approximately 8.07% below the national median of $151,886. The salary range for local controllers spans from $80,986 at the lower end (P10) to $197,372 at the upper end (P90), highlighting the local economic realities shaped by both facility type and experience level. These figures draw from estimates based on 2025 BLS state-level data alongside regional price adjustments. Developing a career as an air traffic controller typically involves 1-3 years to achieve full pay, as controllers transition from developmental roles to certified professional controllers (CPCs), impacting their overall earnings trajectory within the Tulsa Area.
About the Prosper Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($148,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $80,986 | $38.94 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $101,478 | $48.78 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $139,632 | $67.13 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $178,728 | $85.92 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $197,372 | $94.89 |
Median Salary Position
8.07% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Prosper
In Prosper, TX, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $116,386 (2026 est.). At $139,632, the local median is 8.07% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Prosper: You'd be above the median
How Prosper Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Prosper median: $139,632/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Prosper Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Average | $145,753 | -4.20% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -8.07% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Prosper, TX earn a median of $139,632 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.07% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 4.20% below the Texas state average of $145,753.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Prosper has a cost of living 4.00% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Prosper, TX has a cost-of-living index of 96 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $139,632 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $145,450 in an average-cost city — an effective 4.17% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$113,067
2025 BLS Actual
$136,133
2026 Current Est.
$139,632
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Prosper (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $113,067 | Actual |
| 2020 | $119,898 | Actual |
| 2021 | $119,282 | Actual |
| 2022 | $121,580 | Actual |
| 2023 | $126,296 | Actual |
| 2024 | $136,059 | Actual |
| 2025 | $136,133 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $139,632 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $143,220 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Prosper metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $113,067 (2019) to $136,133 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $143,220 by 2027 — a total increase of $30,153 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Prosper metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.57% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $80,986 – $101,478 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $101,478 – $139,632 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $139,632 – $178,728 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $178,728 – $197,372 |
ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual air traffic controller compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Air Traffic Controller Job Market in Prosper
The local job market for air traffic controllers in Prosper is relatively small, with only seven professionals currently employed in the region. The cost of living index at 96 suggests a slightly lower-than-average expense for day-to-day living, enhancing take-home purchasing power compared to many other regions. Among the employers, FAA en route centers generally offer the highest salaries due to their complexity and traffic volume, whereas local FAA airport traffic control towers tend to pay less. Pay disparities can arise from various factors including facility level, certification status, and additional remuneration for night and holiday shifts. For those aspiring to maximize their earnings, seeking opportunities at higher tier facilities and considering shifts with higher differential pay, such as Sunday or holiday hours, can significantly enhance air traffic controller pay in Prosper, TX.
More salary data for Prosper, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Jordan Lee, ATO
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience as an air traffic controller. He specializes in terminal area control at a major airport.
Methodology & Data Source
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $136,133 for air traffic controllersin the Prosper metropolitan area. A 2.57% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Prosper is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.57%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for air traffic controllers (SOC 53-2021).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, ATO, a licensed air traffic controller with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov